Dental

Aquaflame machines are often used in dental labs and by orthodontists in construction of dental appliances. Large partial dentures are frequently cast in parts that are soldered together after carefully fitting them to master cast. In orthodontics soldering is used for joining wires, bands springs etc. The soldering process involves the substrate or the parent metals to be joined, soldering filler metal (usually called solder), a flux, and a heat source – in this case the Aquaflame machine. All are equally important and the role of each must be taken in to consideration to solder metal components successfully.

Aquaflame is well suited for dental soldering because it provides a very hot precision hot flame. The use of MEK makes the flame highly visible so that it is easy to view the smallest of solder joints. The use of different booster liquids can vary the flame temperature from 1200-3300°C (2200°F – 6000°F). MEK is normally used because it gives the most stable flame and generates a temperature of about 1850°C.

Composition of alloy determines the oxides that form on its surface during heating. The flux used should be able to reduce these oxides, inhibit further oxidation and facilitate its removal. Composition of alloy determines the wettability of the substrate by the molten solder alloy. The solder chosen must wet the metal at as low a contact angle as possible to ensure wetting of the joint area. Manufacturer of the alloy should provide guidance and instruction regarding the flux to be used with that alloy. A low temp soldering is preferred rather than the high temp soldering for Stainless steel wire to prevent carbide precipitation and to prevent an excessive softening of the wire. So silver solders are generally preferred.

Purpose of flux is to remove any oxide coating on the substrate metal surface when the filler metal is fluid and ready to flow into place. They protect the alloy surface from oxidation during soldering and dissolve metallic oxides as they are formed. The resulting solution of oxides or other extraneous matter in flux constitutes “slag”.

Aquaflame produces an oxyhydrogen flame by electrolysis – the gas is produced on demand and at low pressure. The machine is small, low capital cost and low maintenance.

Aquaflame machines are high performance oxyhydrogen gas-generating units producing a high temperature precision flame – in the range 1200-3300°C (2200°F – 6000°F) used for soldering and welding items.

Using a standard electrical supply, hydrogen and oxygen are produced by the electrolysis of distilled water such that the hydrogen can be burnt in the oxygen. The oxyhydrogen gas is passed through an MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) solution which reduces the temperature to about 1850°C (3350°F) and transforms the flame to a blue / yellow colour. The flame is a highly controllable, efficient high energy heat source. The only product of this process, other than energy, is water. The Aquaflame is safe as it only produces gas as required; it is also efficient, clean and environmentally friendly. Aquaflame is truly a remarkable soldering /welding machine.